FBI Agent Explains How To Spot Liars on KOCO News

Introductory Video to the field.


KOCO 5, Oklahoma City

Think you can spot a liar? Experts have devised three categories of behaviors that often give a liar away.

Some of them are voluntary behaviors (body/non-verbal language or nervous tics), and others are involuntary (autonomic nervous system).

First, here are the autonomic nervous system indicators that a person might not be telling the truth:

Breathing pattern changes
Perspiration
Dry mouth
Clicking sound
Swallowing often
Wetting lips
Dilated pupils
Throat clearing
White flecks at corners of mouth
Yawning
Bobbing Adam's Apple
Pulsating carotid arteries
Change in tone of voice
Blanching

Then there are body language hints that a liar might be in your midst:

Not paying attention
Crossed arms
Looking away
Runner's stance
Elbows in close
Hands tightly folded in lap
Unnatural laugh
Leaning back in chair
Hands behind head
Crossed legs
Sitting to the side

Finally, experts say there are nervous movements to keep an eye on when trying to spot a liar:

Rubbing or scratching
Pulling or picking
Stroking
Inspection
Biting
Tapping fingers or feet
Playing with objects
Looking at watch
Chewing gum